Here are some Frequently Asked Questions posed by family members of people with an intellectual disability who want to find out more about Special Olympics. We hope these questions and answers help!
- How does a person with an intellectual disability become involved and compete in Special Olympics?
- What are the benefits of being involved in Special Olympics?
- Who is eligible to take part in the Special Olympics programme?
- What forms need to be filled out for someone who wants to take part?
- What skill level does an athlete require?
- How much training is necessary before going forward for a competition?
- How is a particular sport organised?
- What standard of competition is offered?
- What is the difference between Special Olympics and Paralympics?
- Who are the coaches and volunteers?
- Does Special Olympics have policies to ensure the safety and well being of athletes and volunteers?
- Is there much expense involved in Special Olympics activities?
- Can families and carers make a difference?
In many cases the person's school, centre or workshop is affiliated to the Special Olympics Region and a Special Olympics programme is offered. Other people join a Special Olympics club in their community. Throughout the entire island of Ireland many new Special Olympics clubs are being developed at present and there may be a club near you.
Details of clubs can be obtained by contacting your Special Olympics Regional Office as below:
Studies have found that athletes participating in Special Olympics benefit from:
- Improved physical fitness and sports skills
- Enhanced self-confidence
- Greater readiness for employment
- Better preparation for independent living
- Increased ability to make personal decisions
- Improved friendships and family relations
Special Olympics is open to individuals with a learning disability. While some athletes participate with secondary disabilities e.g. a hearing impairment or a physical disability, the criteria for participation in Special Olympics is that a person has been diagnosed by a healthcare professional as having a learning disability. Children can start training in age appropriate activities at 6 years of age, and commence competing at 8 years of age. There is no upper age limit.
Every person who wishes to participate in Special Olympics must complete an Athlete Registration Form, Athlete Consent Form and Athlete Medical Form. For athletes under 18, a parent or guardian must sign these forms on their behalf. There is a requirement that the medical form is updated every three years in order to ensure medical information is kept up to date. However, if there is any change in the athletes medical condition within that time a new form must be submitted.
Athletes of all ages and ability levels are catered for and a comprehensive Motor Activities Training Programme (MATP) is offered for athletes who do not have the required skill level as yet to compete under Special Olympics or National Governing Body Rules.
The Special Olympics programme is based on year round training for the athlete. The majority of athletes must have completed a minimum of 8 weeks training before taking part in competition, but It is expected that Special Olympics Ireland affiliated groups offer a much longer and very comprehensive training programme for their athletes.
At local level, a Special Olympics club or affiliated group may be set up to cater for one or more sports. The club or group coach will liaise with the Regional Sports Co-ordinator for each particular sport and work with them to develop coaching and training for the sport(s). Through the Regional Sports Development Officers and Regional Development Officers (who are based in the Regional offices) clubs and groups will be kept up to date and notified of forthcoming competitions.
The Official Special Olympics Sports Rules govern all Special Olympics competition. These rules are based on the relevant International Federation and the rules of each individual country's National Governing Body (NGB). International rules apply at international competition and NGB rules apply at area, regional and national competition except when either is in conflict with the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules. In such cases, the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules apply.
Special Olympics and Paralympics are two separate organisations recognised by the International Olympic Committee. Special Olympics is unique in providing sports opportunities for individuals with learning disabilities at all levels. Special Olympics is unique in that it offers a programme of sport and events for all levels of ability.
Paralympics provides sports opportunities for elite athletes with a physical disability, and whilst they do provide for athletes with a learning disability it is at the elite level of competition. Special Olympics World Games take place every two years alternating between Summer and Winter Games. Special Olympics World Summer Games take place the year before the Olympic Games, while the Paralympic Games are conducted immediately following the Olympics.
Quite often family members or staff at a school or centre have taken the initiative to introduce a Special Olympics sports programme in their area and have enlisted volunteers to assist them. All
coaches and
volunteers are required to complete a detailed Volunteer Application Form. To help ensure the safety of everyone involved in Special Olympics Ireland, all volunteers must undergo a background security check and reference check.
Yes. A safe environment for everyone is of paramount importance to Special Olympics and a Code of Ethics and Good Practice is in place. In addition, there are various other policies and procedures in including those in relation to anti-doping, alcohol and tobacco use that everyone involved in the organisation is expected to adhere to. Everyone who applies to be a volunteer with Special Olympics Ireland is also required to undergo a background check.
As with any person who becomes involved in sports activities some expenses may be incurred, for example sports specific attire and equipment, travel costs, competition entry fees and so on. Many Special Olympics clubs and groups do organise fundraising activities in order to minimise these costs, however, athletes may be required to contribute in some way.
Family members can make a difference in many ways. Spectators are an important part of sport and who better than family members and carers to cheer on their athlete! From supporting their athlete in training and competition to volunteering with a local club or group, the input of all family members and carers is invaluable.